The 8 things to do in Kos

For you who go to the Dodecanese in Greece, here is our list of the seven essential things to do to visit the island of Kos!

What to do in Kos? Here may be a question that crosses your mind while waiting for your last working day, and the first of your future idyllic holidays in Greece... Located off Bodrum (Turkey) east of the Aegean Sea, Kos is one of the 160 islands and islets of the Dodecanese archipelago. A long 40-kilometre stretch of 8 kilometres wide, it is a high tourist resort of the Greek islands and one of Greece’s agricultural lungs: Kos produces many resources such as olives, cereals, almonds, figs, tomatoes, vines and lettuce.

Between the city of Kos, the villages and their castles of the island, the ancient ruins, the mountains to hike and the heavenly beaches to swim, the activities will not miss. Here’s a top 8 of the things you need to do inevitably to visit Kos.

1. The city of Kos

Kos, the capital of the island contains a historic centre and remains of Antiquity to be seen absolutely: the Agora, the Roman odeon, the Asclepiéion – dedicated to the god of ancient medicine -, the Roman baths, etc. Near the port of Kos, is the castle of Neratzia, a medieval fortress of the 14th-15th century to visit, built by the Knights of Rhodes.

Kos is an open-air museum and witness to the Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman occupations. The famous Platane d’Hippocrate is located a few steps away: the Greek legend says that the tree would be planted in the place where Hippocrates would have taught medicine. Visiting Kos also makes it possible to celebrate: many bars, tavernas and restaurants that are very crowded spread the streets of the city.

2. The villages of the center of the island

From Kos, we climb into the mountains of the centre in a few minutes. There are many picturesque Greek villages on the hillside, such as Asomatos, Asfendiou, Lagoudi, Palio Pylio, Evangelistria, Agios Dimitros or Zia. On occasion we can climb to the top of Mount Dikaios to see the historic chapel Christos Dikaios.

Another village worthy of interest: Antimachia. It is located close to Kos International Airport and is mainly to visit a traditional house transformed into a museum, with its windmill. More to the east, the small village of Paleo Pili is located: this small village contains small white traditional houses around fountains where fresh water flows from sources.

3. Make the coast by bicycle

A true emblem of the island, the bike is widespread in Kos. The relief is very flat on the northern part of the island, which allows cycling on the roads and stopping at the beaches. What about Kos? Sport, of course, to eliminate everything we have eaten in the restaurant!

4. Paradise beaches of Kos

Kos is known to be wet by crystal clear waters and an oil sea. Since the sea is calm and beautiful, many seaside resorts have been built and have generated a mass tourism that can sometimes be deplored... Mastihari, Marmari or Kefalos are very frequented, but it is also an ideal place to party.

The beaches of Karnayo, Tigkaki, Kardamena, Paradise Beach, Camel or Agios Stefanos can be found on the sand. The quietest beaches are on the eastern part of the island. On the west coast, some beaches are preserved (but sometimes difficult to access).

5. A boat ride

To make the most of the island and its crystal clear waters, what better than a boat ride?

Indeed, rent a boat you will enjoy breathtaking views, between cliffs and coves loved in a heavenly setting.

Also, having your own small boat gives you the choice to stop where you like to explore the rich seabed all around the island. An unforgettable experience to live with family or friends!

6. Hiking in the inner massifs

The centre of the island is surrounded by green parks and spaces: for example, the Zia Natural Park, and the entire eastern half of the island. Kos is surrounded by hiking trails where you can admire a wide variety of landscapes rich with multiple scents.

7. Aquatica Water Park

This water park located in Kardamena will delight the smallest and tallest, an attraction for all and all in the southwest of Kos Island. Here are the activities to do: rest in the bathing areas, get off the water slides.

Sailing on the Lazy River, borrowing Kamikaze and Freefall slides and diving into the Aqua Playground. A good swimming compromise if you are tired of salt water... Note that there is also the Lido Water Park in Mastihari.

8. Other activities to be done in Kos

Kos has many other opportunities to do, such as:

• Diving session around the island
• Cruise to Kalymnos and Pserimos
• Cruise to the volcanic island of Nissiros

How do I get to Kos?

Kos has an international airport with direct flights from a few European cities or via a stopover in Athens (which is 1 hour flight from Kos). To find cheap flights to Kos, you can search our partner's website Ulysses .

During the summer, ferries leave for the island of Kos every day or almost since the port of Piraeus near Athens. The trip lasts about 10 hours depending on the islands on which the boat makes a stopover on the way. Prices and length of travel vary according to the selected ferry company. Kos also has shuttles with other islands such as Rhodes, Symi, Leros, Patmos, Kalymnos, Nisyros, Lipsi, Astypalea, Tilos Karpathos and Kastelorizo. You can book your ferry crossing online via the site Direct Ferries .

How to move to Kos?

When you arrive on Kos Island, there is an airport shuttle to the city of Kos. The bus stop is about 30 metres to the left at the exit of the airport. There are bus connections between most villages and beaches of Kos, as well as taxis, cars and bicycles for rent, but also boats in many beaches. You can visit the city of Kos on a tourist train.

There are also excursions for Turkey, Persérimos and other islands. The price of car rental in Kos starts from 30€ per day. You can compare car rental prices in Kos on the website Rentalcars .

In which quarter house in Kosice?

Kos is a very developed island and there are all types of accommodation, from luxurious thermal complexes to traditional guest houses. The beaches around the city of Kos are very popular with hotels or apartments (via Airbnb ), especially the beaches of Tigaki, Lambi and Psalidi.

On the south side of the island, the most popular places are Kardamena and Kefalos, offering a wide range of options accommodation in Kos . Mastihari and Marmari are also nice places to stay during your holiday in Kos. You can find a cheap hotel in Kos by doing a search on this Compare hotels .